51社区

JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 12, 2002 — Nicole Nordeman performed for a full house in 51社区鈥檚 Coburn Dining Room on Wed., Feb. 6 as part of Union鈥檚 2002 Homecoming Coffeehouse Concert.

Not having heard much of Nordeman鈥檚 music, I didn鈥檛 know what to expect as I entered the dimly lit section of the cafeteria. I was astonished at the way that this day to day institution of college life had magically transformed into a trendy coffeehouse complete with overstuffed plush couches, shaded lamps, and candlelight. The tables had been covered with a plain brown paper, and crayons were strewn on each just in case artistic inspiration hit in mid-concert. The centerpiece was the spotlighted shiny black grand piano that sat in front of draped red and white curtains.

Students entered murmuring in anticipation, greeting one another and exchanging jokes as they found their seats. Student Activities Council President Tonya Hale led the student body in a prayer to begin the evening. As we opened our eyes, we saw Nordeman sitting in front of us. No backup band accompanied her; it was just Nordeman and her piano. She appeared approachable and comfortable, a far cry from the showy presentation I鈥檝e seen at many other concerts.

The concert followed much in the same pattern of honest, raw music and testimony. Nordeman鈥檚 vocals flowed like liquid silk over the piano鈥檚 sometimes subdued, sometimes intensely powerful notes that swam out of the speakers. Her lyrics reveal a spiritual maturity that has obviously evolved through the incidents that she described between songs. These stories, both humorous and poignant, let the audience learn more about who Nordeman is and the journey from which these songs emerged.

Highlights included Nordeman鈥檚 open number, a tongue-in-cheek tribute to modern life and popular culture 鈥淚s It Any Wonder?鈥� Spotlighting Nordeman鈥檚 ability to blend stylistic elements of many musical forms, the piano came to life with a bluesy sound complimented by vocal stylings that sound like a fusion between a blues bar singer, folk rock, and rhythm and blues.

Another favorite, 鈥淲ide-Eyed,鈥� off of Nordeman鈥檚 first album of the same name, tells of Nordeman鈥檚 encounters with various people with different beliefs than her own during the years she lived in Los Angeles. Powerfully honest, Nordeman is not afraid to reveal her weaknesses, just as she reveals her desire to grow as a Christian. Raw passion flowed on 鈥淲ho You Are,鈥� a song about trying to get to the heart of God and truly know and experience Him. Nordeman frequently clenched her fist and shut her eyes as the music swelled throughout this powerful song.

With the skill of a classical piano master, Nordeman used her lyrics and voice to tell the story of Jesus鈥� crucifixion through the eyes of a child, to encourage by assuring that God is there through all of life seasons, and plead for reconciliation between differences within the Christian faith. Not only playing already recorded songs, Nordeman also treated the audience to a sample from her upcoming album-in-progress, a touching tribute to God as Heavenly Father spoken to with the same loving words as an earthly father.

The evening ended with a medley of U2鈥檚 鈥淚 Still Haven't Found What I鈥檓 Looking For,鈥� 鈥淥pen the Eyes of My Heart,鈥� and the chorus of 鈥淥 Come All Ye Faithful鈥� with the audience singing along. An attitude of worship prevailed throughout the entire evening, and this final set emphasized this commitment to glorifying God. The audience continued singing and praying even after Nordeman had left the stage.

Nordeman鈥檚 place as one of Christian music鈥檚 rising stars is well-deserved. Her touching stories and passionate delivery on her first two albums, 1998鈥檚 Wide-Eyed and 2000鈥檚 This Mystery, reveal her immense talent and devotion to God. Union was blessed to have Nordeman perform as part of this year鈥檚 homecoming. She most certainly has new fans among the student body.